You guys, I have something that I am so excited to tell you about! But first, let’s rewind to last month when I was honored to be among one of David Peck’s celebrity models at the Know Autism Gala. It was such an amazing opportunity for me to get involved in a local cause and to meet so many charitable Houstonians. Donae Cangelosi Chramosta, a.k.a The Vintage Contessa, was among those women. Her jaw dropping emerald jewelry was an obvious conversation starter and when she started telling me how she sources and sells vintage, luxury jewelry and handbags, I knew I wanted to hear more!
When Donae invited me to stop by her office, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I can promise you – I DID NOT expect THIS! Can you imagine coming to ‘work’ everyday surrounded by shelves of Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton?! Keep in mind, I have worked at Neiman Marcus and Gilt Groupe so being surrounded by pretty things isn’t completely foreign to me, but seeing all these rare, vintage pieces in one place – imagining where they had been and from who’s arm they had hung – was a whole new level of fun! When Kate and I walked out the door, I literally looked at her and had to ask, “Did that just happen?!”
A little more about The Vintage Contessa:
The Vintage Contessa is a vintage boutique based in Houston, Texas, (but, don’t worry!) with a website that ships globally to vintage aficionados around the world. Each and every item available has been purchased personally by Donae and her husband, Rob. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, fashionista and lover of all things vintage, the website and store were dreams of Donae’s. She cleverly combined her whimsical soul and passion for fashion with Rob’s twenty years of experience in the vintage luxury market. Together the Chramosta’s have a globally trusted reputation. You can read more about their authenticity guarantee here.
I am going to be partnering with TVC throughout the year by featuring accessories she has in stock through my outfit post & Instagram. Of course, all items will be available for purchase through TVC.
The Vintage Contessa
Email: info@thevintagecontessa.com
Phone: (713) 977-7296
6222 Richmond Ave. #540
Houston, Texas 77057
Be sure to tell them HOUSE of HARPER sent you! 😉
// picking out my favorites for spring! //
// opening a brand new Birkin straight out of the beautiful orange box (pretending it is mine, of course!) //
// dripping in vintage Chanel jewelry //
// learning from the pro about what makes a bag more valuable and how to confirm authenticity //
// these two beauties come to NYFW with me //
// styling the perfect layered look //
// a classic //
// Reading Donae’s precious book about her daughter, Bella. //
// an orange bag with an ‘H’ – It’s like it was personalized just for HOUSE of HAPRER! //
Photographed by Kate Robinson
Outfit details: blouse: J.Crew (final sale + 30% off!) | Blazer: Hunter Bell | jeans: Rag & Bone Jeans | shoes: J.Crew | watch: Rolex | bracelet: c/0 Brandy Pham | rings: Kate Spade, BaubleBar, Dana Rebecca |nail polish: Chanel | glasses: Kate Spade
This sounds like such a cool company! Excited to see more
Dresses & Denim
Isn’t Donae fabulous? 🙂
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Well, this is a dream come true!! Loving that orange Hermes clutch!! I hope you treated yourself 🙂
http://www.taffetaandtulips.com
I’ve never been to The Vintage Contessa nor noticed it when driving down Richmond but clearly I need to stop by! Thanks for sharing!
Love their collection and your simple, elegant and yet so feminine look!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
I am certain they would have taken the Birkin from me….I would have been dribbling drool on it!
I’ve been reading about her shop for awhile (I’m in Houston). I was really surprised by her picture. I expected her to be older – no idea why other than it’s such a vast, expensive collection. So cool to find out it’s a younger business owner.
Can you imagine coming to ‘work’ everyday surrounded by shelves of Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton?! Keep in mind, I have worked at Neiman Marcus and Gilt Groupe so being surrounded by pretty things isn’t completely foreign to me,
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The best things in life are not things.
The best things in life are not things you buy.